TEHRAN (Dispatches) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says regional cooperation is the only way to ensure security and stability in the Middle East.
"Security and stability in the region would be achievable only within the framework of regional cooperation, and we can undoubtedly bring about better conditions in the region with the promotion of cooperation,” he told Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani over the phone on Thursday.
Rouhani emphasized the need for Iran and Qatar to expand their relations given the delicate situation in the region.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran sees no obstacle and limit to the expansion of relations and cooperation with Qatar as a friendly and brotherly country,” the Iranian president said.
Rouhani expressed hope that efforts by officials of the two countries would give a boost to economic cooperation and that the two states would be able to hold a face-to-face meeting in the near future.
For his part, Sheikh Tamim congratulated the Iranian government and nation on the Muslim festival of Eid-al- Adha, calling for further enhancement of economic interaction between the two states.
Highlighting the significance that Qatar attaches to promotion of ties with Iran, the emir expressed hope that the two nations would make great strides towad broadening their ties in all fields.
Iran and Qatar have stepped up diplomatic and economic relations in recent years, particularly after the Islamic Republic helped Qatar secure supplies when a Saudi-backed boycott was first imposed in 2017.